life Archives - INSPIRING MAX

Mallard Cottage

November 30, 2015 inspiringmax

It is 12 months ago today that my husband and I accidentally discovered Mallard Cottage, Quidi Vidi, Newfoundland, Canada. We were walking in the snow enjoying the picturesque scenery as the city turned from green to white, when we arrived at our destination—Quidi Vidi Village—a small fishing hamlet just outside St John’s. We arrived mid afternoon and hungry from all the walking decided to stop at Mallard Cottage for some coffee and cake, before continuing on our journey. Boy were we surprised. Coffee and cake were $10 from memory for—all you can eat homemade old-fashioned cakes. There were about 10-12 to choose from. They were amazing. We sat and relaxed for over an hour between us tasting at least a small amount of every cake—okay I admit it some thing more than once—because we could. Unfortunately we were too busy eating to take any photos, sorry.

While we were eating our cakes the friendly wait staff began telling us of the properties history. Mallard Cottage is one of the oldest wooden buildings in North America. Originally built-in the early 1700’s it is older than our country—Australia. This felt weird to think about given the beauty of the restoration and how perfectly it blended old and new. It also turns out that our accidental find has developed a reputation as one of the best restaurants in St John’s area. No wonder we want to go back. If your ever in the area, it is well worth the visit.

Supporting Others

November 27, 2015 inspiringmax

We all know how to do something well — write a post that teaches readers how to do something you know and/or love to do.

One of the main things I have a reputation for is support others. All my life—from the age of 9—I have been the person others come to when they needed a welcome ear to tell their problems to especially when they were fighting with their best friend. With all the practice I had at school I think I was always destined to work in mental health. Supporting others has developed into a passion for me and I find ways to do it regularly in my professional and person life. Below are some of the values I use when I support others.

Sincerity

Understanding

Passion

Professionalism

Optimism

Resilience

Teaching

Open-mindedness

Tolerance

Honesty

Empathy

Reasonableness

Strength

https://dailypost.wordpress.com/prompts/teach-your-bloggers-well/

Share Your World 2015 – Week 45

November 16, 2015 inspiringmax

What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you hear the word “fun”?

I love having fun. Doing something spontaneous that involves lots of laughter. I may be in my 50’s but I am happy to play games and have fun at every opportunity.

What is your favorite time of day?

I don’t think I really have one. Although there is something beautiful about sunrise and sunset.

Given the choice of anyone in the world, whom would you want have a evening with?

I would love to spend an evening with Louise Hay. She is a very powerful motivator and positive thinker. She thinks outside the box, has many creative ideas to solve problems and literally hundreds of positive daily affirmations. She is also the owner of Balboa Press the self-publishing company I am using to publish my book next year so I am sure she could supply some great tips.

“Don’t be afraid to be you. The world needs your unique brand of awesomeness.” Louise Hay

Complete this sentence: Something that anyone can do that will guarantee my smile is…

Smile at me. I will always return a genuine smile and connect with the other person. If I smile at someone first and they return my smile, my smile gets bigger.

Bonus question: What are you grateful for from last week, and what are you looking forward to in the week coming up?

Last week I was grateful for family time celebrating my son’s birthday and my work Christmas party celebrating together the year that was 2015. This week I am looking forward to getting back to blogging more regularly as life has gotten in the way a bit recently.

http://ceenphotography.com/2015/11/09/share-your-world-2015-week-45/

CN Tower’s Glass Floor

November 8, 2015November 16, 2015 inspiringmax

For 36 years between 1976 – 2010, CN Tower was the tallest tower in the world at 553 metres in height. So last year when my husband and I visited Toronto, I was excited to reach the top and cross off one of the original things on my bucket list.

From the moment I entered the elevator I was amazed. It takes 58 seconds, yes less than a minute to travel 132 floors. There is also a glass panel in the wall and the floor so you can look out— if you dare. From the main viewing platform, the views were spectacular as we had chosen a clear winters day.

My favourite part of the CN Tower however is its glass floor. Built in 1994, it was the world’s first glass floor. I had set myself a goal I was going to walk into the middle and look down. Initially, although I knew it was safe—I was petrified. I started with taking a few steps out, sitting and looking down. Determined to not let it beat me, I kept persevering until I could walk across the glass floor. My mindfulness training paid off and I was able to enjoy this unique experience even though our photos don’t show the distance below well.

If ever you visit Toronto, Canada take the time and experience the the joy and challenges of CN Tower. In 2013, we visited Canton Tower in Ghangzhou, China which in 2010 became the tallest tower in the world however this honour is now changes regularly.

Coffee Catch-up #2

November 1, 2015 inspiringmax

As it has been six weeks since our first coffee catch-up I think it is time to catch-up again. Due to feedback from our last coffee, this will be a random regular event—a bit like my real life coffee catch-ups. If you missed our first coffee, you can catch-up here.

If we were having coffee I would tell you how much I enjoyed our trip to the cinema yesterday. My husband and I saw Bridge of Spies with Tom Hanks. It wasn’t my first choice for a movie, however it looked okay and it was being shown at a time suitable to us. From the start I was invested and intrigued. Based on true events, Bridge of Spies is a story set during the Cold War. An American lawyer played by Hanks is recruited by the CIA to go to Berlin and negotiated the release of a spy plane pilot shot down over Russia. Produced by Steven Spielberg it is full of drama, has great casting and as expected amazing location photography. If you have a few hours to spare it is definitely worth a look.

If we were having coffee I would tell you about my continuing de-clutter at work. Over the last few weeks I have gone through all the cupboards and drawers, throwing out information that hasn’t been needed for years and organising everything else so it can be found and accessed. I even found some photographs of staff from about 8 years ago and my new staff didn’t always pick the younger version of myself. The new look office is going well and people are taking the time to comment. We have also started a treat roster and everyone is excited to take turns and bring in some special homemade treats to share.

If we were having coffee I would tell you how excited I was to carve my first pumpkin last weekend. I had no idea to begin with but with the help of Dr Google I learnt quickly. My daughter helped me with the design and although my pumpkin wasn’t the winner of our Toastmasters Halloween competition it was fun.

If we were having coffee I would tell you that I am looking forward to preparing for Christmas which is now less than 8 weeks away. My family has a colour theme and this year it is Berry. All colours that berries come in are welcome. As my favourite colour is purple I will be looking for purple-blue coloured clothes. I am hoping to find something suitable before my work Christmas party to kill two birds with the one stone.

If we were having coffee I would tell you how I am refocusing on completing the editing of my book on eating disorder recovery. I have about half the book to go and would like to hand it to the editor in Jan 2016 which I think is achievable as long as I keep working at it. Seriously before I began this journey I never realised how much time goes into the editing process of a book. I think I just thought magically happened—definitely not so especially for non-fiction books.

If we were having coffee I would ask you what you have done and how you have been since we last met. Let me know in the comments what you have been up to.

Weekly Photo Challenge: (Extra)ordinary

October 17, 2015 inspiringmax

I love this clever use for old toilets at the entrance to the local sewerage works at Dorrigo, New South Wales. It brought a smile to my face but I am not sure if it is because of my Australian sense of humour.

Let me know your thoughts and any other unusual ways you have seen old toilets used.

https://dailypost.wordpress.com/dp_photo_challenge/extraordinary/

Some Say Love, It Is A Razor

October 11, 2015 inspiringmax

Take the third line of the last song you heard, make it your post title, and write for a maximum of 15 minutes. GO!

Bette Midler’s The Rose is my favouirte empowerment song. I love to lie on the floor, in the dark and listen to it played—loud and proud. This song motivates me and reminds me risks are worth taking and growth takes time and nurturing.

As one of the opening lines of The Rose, the third line “some say love, it is a razor” uses vivid powerful imagery. A razor like love can be a positive or a negative experience. It can

Tidy new hair growth
Trim a mustache or beard
Transform faces, legs and other body parts
Terminate a life

The secret is to trust the the person in control of the razor—yourself included.

If you are scared of ever bleeding from a razor cut—you will never know the freedom and beauty that comes from feeling your freshly shaven, clean subtle skin. “Feel my skin, it feels so soft” are words often used by many of us to share our experience with others. This invitation increases the intimacy between us and often leads to love.

https://dailypost.wordpress.com/dp_prompt/cant-drive-55/

Weekly Photo Challenge: Today Was A Good Day

August 22, 2015 inspiringmax

In a Mesh gallery, show us what makes you happy. Share your ideal day, recount a memorable day in the past, or share your favorite things.

A few years ago I went for a walk with my father around the hidden places of Sydney Olympic Park.We made fascinating discoveries and really enjoyed the peace and serenity.

https://dailypost.wordpress.com/dp_photo_challenge/today-was-a-good-day/

Recharge

August 20, 2015 inspiringmax

Imagine that tomorrow, all of your duties and obligations evaporate for the day. You get the day all to yourself, to do anything you please. What types of fun activities would make your day?

I believe taking time out to recharge and celebrate ME Time is important for mental health. This week I have been lucky enough to have a week of ME Time without any duties or obligations doing whatever I feel like for the day. It is liberating and relaxing. I am spending the week in Port Macquarie New South Wales, an area I first visited as a 10-year-old child. So how do I plan to spend my days when I don’t have my usual busy schedule to contend with. No problem. Below is a list of my options most of which I have already done:

Build a sand castle
Celebrate days off with a glass of champagne
Catch up on my blogging
Colour in
Do a crossword puzzle
Draw
Enjoy the winter sunshine
Explore new areas
Gather ideas for Inspiring Max
Listen to different bird calls
Play a board game
Play solitaire with cards
Read a romantic comedy
Reconnect with what it was like living in regional New South Wales
Relive childhood memories
Sleep in
Smell the ocean
Smell the flowers beginning to burst as Spring is around the corner
Swim
Visit regional art galleries
Walk on beach
Watch a girly movie
Work on my book

It has been a great week staying in one place, catching up with myself and expand my experience of my amazing homeland, Australia.

https://dailypost.wordpress.com/dp_prompt/nothin-but-a-good-time/

Soul Mate

July 12, 2015July 12, 2015 inspiringmax

Got a soul-mate and/or a best friend? What is it about that person that you love best? Describe them in great detail — leave no important quality out.

Finding your soul mate isn’t a journey you can plan. For me it happened when the time was right and I had to adjust my plans accordingly. Why we connected however, I have never considered—everything just fell into place. Personally I think it relates to having similar qualities and values that compliment each other including: